Indus Water Treaty: India’s tough stance on the Indus Water Treaty has increased uneasiness in Pakistan. Know what steps India has taken, ban on water data, Chenab-Beas Link Project, Pakistan’s concerns and the whole story of the growing water dispute between the two countries.
India’s tough stance regarding the Indus Water Treaty has increased Pakistan’s concerns manifold. In the last one week, many senior leaders and officials of Pakistan have continuously appealed to India to resume talks and cooperation on water flow. Even former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari compared the issue to an international crisis like the Strait of Hormuz. In such a situation, the question is arising that after all, which step of India has increased Pakistan’s restlessness so much?
1. India stopped sharing water related data
In May 2025, India stopped providing data related to water level, flow and operation of Indus, Chenab and Jhelum rivers to Pakistan after suspending the Indus Water Treaty. According to Pakistan’s Indus Water Commissioner Syed Mehar Ali Shah, letters were sent four times in the last one year, but no response was received from India. Due to lack of data, Pakistan is not able to decide whether the fluctuation of water in the river is due to natural reasons or a part of some strategy of India.
2. Accusation of using water as strategic pressure
Pakistan alleges that India withholds water at the time of need and suddenly releases it later, which increases the risk of both agriculture and floods. Pakistani officials claim that the lower outlets of the Marala Barrage have been reactivated, allowing India to control the flow of water as per its needs. However, India has not given any official confirmation on these allegations.
3. Chenab-Beas Link Project raises concerns
India is working on several projects to make maximum use of the water of western rivers. Among these, Chenab-Beas Link Project is the most discussed. Pakistan claims that preparations are being made to divert about 19 lakh acre-feet of water through this project. Due to this, there is an increased fear that its dependence on the Indus Basin may be affected in future.
4. Big impact on farming and economy
About 24 crore population of Pakistan is dependent on the Indus river system. More than 80 percent of the country’s agricultural land is irrigated with this water, while a large part of its economy is based on agriculture. Therefore, any reduction in water availability is being seen as a threat to national security and economic stability.
Sharp statements of Pakistani leaders
Former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Climate Change Minister Musaddiq Malik and Information Minister Ataullah Tarar have criticized India’s stand, calling it a serious issue. Pakistan is now trying to raise this dispute through international forums and mediation also.
India’s stand is clear
India has consistently maintained that national security is a top priority for it. New Delhi’s clear message is that terrorism and normal bilateral cooperation cannot go together. Under this policy, India is also considering water diplomacy as a part of its strategic policy. At present, there is a deadlock between the two countries regarding the Indus Water Agreement. In the coming times, this issue will not be limited to water management only, but can also remain an important topic of India-Pakistan relations and regional diplomacy.